Device for easy and secure storage of masks, mask and mask support storage case

Abstract

The device reduces internal contamination of the respirator and external objects. The device allows easy and quick storage of the mask with protection against contamination as a priority. The device relates to the technical field of occupational health and safety. The solution creates an easy storage system, including a support with pins that connect to straps present on the mask or additionally inserted in the mask. The connection is in the form of a snap fastener and in a preferred embodiment takes the form of a structure that connects to a wristband and a neck cord. The system includes a sealing system with channels that allow the passage of a cord that joins the channels, creating a bag-like structure and isolating the inner and outer surfaces of the mask. Protection is provided by a bag-like or cylindrical case. To reduce the growth of microorganisms, a material containing the element silver is used on the surface of the device, and the mask holder, the protective case and the mask are sold together.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The object of the present invention is to reduce contamination of respirator masks and foreign objects. The device of the present invention facilitates and speeds up mask storage with safety against contamination. The present invention relates to the technical field of occupational safety and health. The present invention is an ideal device for storing masks, mask adapters and protective cases. The present invention prevents the spread of contagious and endemic diseases and protects users and society from infection. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of protective respirators is mandatory in times of COVID-19 and in polluted environments in general. Contaminants can be chemical or physical. Respiratory masks are made of surfaces with controlled porosity to prevent the passage of microorganisms. They conform to the face and filter the air that passes through the filtering surface. Viruses and microorganisms attach to the outer surface of the mask.

[0003] There are times when masks are not used, for example while eating or brushing teeth. In some cases, masks are not worn in hygienic locations. In these cases, users are limited in options for storing the mask in a safe manner, and may hold it in their hands, on their chin, around their wrist by a cord, or on furniture, making it susceptible to multiple contamination. Many mask users may have lung problems and frequently have to retract their mask to avoid shortness of breath. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some of the contamination by the user occurs when these viruses and microorganisms pass from the outer surface of the mask to the inner surface, mainly when it is stored. Another form of contamination occurs when the outer surface of the mask comes into contact with other objects, mainly when it is stored in a pocket, bag, mask holder, etc.

[0005] Many users store masks in plastic bags or containers, which results in high contamination between the outer and inner surfaces of the mask. Solutions on how to fold the mask and store it in an envelope or case help protect the inner surface of the mask, but still do not provide a sufficient seal to prevent the passage of pathogens through the open edge of the contact surface.

[0006] In addition, all of these mask storage procedures are cumbersome and users often do not adopt safety precautions, as are the cumbersome procedures involved in removing the mask from the case and mask holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] With these shortcomings in mind and in order to address them, the present applicant has come up with a solution to overcome or mitigate these challenges.

[0008] The first solution conceived consists of introducing a device for easy and safe storage of the mask without having to deal with contaminated surfaces. This solution consists of a body with a pin or clasp on its surface. The mask can be easily and quickly stored and removed by means of a strap attached to the surface as shown in the present application or by using its own cord clasp that is supported on the ear or behind the head. This solution, related to other proposals, allows easy and safe storage and removal of the mask. This is explained in more detail in the drawings.

[0009] The second solution refers to an additional strap located in the middle of the filtering mask face. This strap allows the mask to be folded in half and provides a fastening point that is fixed, via this same strap, to the pins and fasteners of the first solution. When folded in half, this second solution reduces the extension of the stretched body of the mask by half, reducing the space it occupies and facilitating the attachment process to the pins of the first solution. The association with the third solution significantly increases the advantages by an enhanced seal. Another solution is to add straps to the sides of the mask, improving the adjustment of the mask in the mask holder.

[0010] The third solution conceived consists of channels inserted in the ends of the mask that allow the cords to pass through, and when the cords are pulled through these channels, they create a bag-like structure that contains and isolates the contaminants inside the mask exterior when it is in the system. Alternatively, the bag-like structure isolates these contaminants that are outside when the mask interior is in the system. When the contaminants are inside the bag-like structure, they are isolated from the environment and prevent external contamination of pockets, bags, carriers, etc. When the contaminants are outside the bag-like structure, the mask interior is isolated and protected from external contamination, protecting the user. Depending on the situation and the purpose of protection, the system can take two alternative ways. A use association was conceived with the first and second solutions in the following order: after removing the mask from the face, the user attaches an additional strap of the mask (described in the second solution) to the pin of the first solution, and then pulls the cord of the third solution to close the pouch-like structure. With this same pulled cord, the user can fasten the mask to another pin of the first solution. Therefore, the mask can be easily stored in a safe and secure manner without having to touch the contaminated mask surface with the hands, which will be made clearer in the drawings.

[0011] The fourth solution is a protective case that provides a protective cover that fits over the first solution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] The attached drawing shows diagrammatically the solution proposed by the present application. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the mask surface holder. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the mask holder. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the mask holder. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the mask surface holder. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a cylindrical mask holder. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 shows a side view of a cylindrical mask holder with a mask alignment guide. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a cylindrical mask holder with a mask alignment guide. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the mask holder fixing pin arrangement. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of the central fixation strap and sealing channels attached to the ends of the mask. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of the central fixation strap and sealing channels attached to the ends of the mask. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a diagram of the centerline fastening strap attached to the mask. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a diagram of the centerline fastening strap attached to the mask. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a diagram of the fixed side straps attached to the mask. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a diagram of the fixed side straps attached to the mask. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the mask holder protective case. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the mask holder protective case. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows the fold lines of the mask. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a fixing device for the mask holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a body (1) with mask strap retaining pins (2). The form of each pin (2) is in the form of a clasp (2) or head (2). A head-like form is a pin with a protrusion on the top. This head can have various shapes, but it can be wider than the pin (2) that supports it, for example, disk- or ring-shaped. This is superior to a clasp in that the cord can be fixed in various directions. The sequence of use can be understood from the following example. A mask user enters an environment where he does not need to wear a mask, removes the mask, but has no place to store it, so he has no choice but to hold the mask or store it in a general holder, which runs the risk of contaminating the inner surface of the mask or other objects. The solution proposed by this application is ideal to be able to store the mask on this support (1). (1) The fixing cord of the mask is fixed to the pin (2) of the support (1). The fixing form or head of the pin (2) prevents this cord from coming off. It may have multiple pins (2), allowing the mask to be stored stretched, increasing the stability of storage and preventing random movements that are prone to contamination. Furthermore, this method of storing the mask with pins (2) and cords allows for easy both storage and retrieval of the mask, encouraging users to adopt a systematic method of storing the mask. The description of the mask construction shows that the solution is devised to reduce contamination.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the body (1) with the retaining pin (2) on the same face.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a side view of the body (1) with a retaining pin (2) on the opposite side, which allows the mask to be folded onto the body (1).

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the body (1) with chamfers (3) or protrusions (3) for placing a mask.

[0017] Figure 5 shows a side view of an open or closed cylindrical body (1) with a pin (2) with a clasp or head on its surface. This cylindrical form can be used to form a wristband or clamp as it can encircle the wrist or arm or shoulder. A closed cylindrical form forms a completely enveloping ring, while an open cylindrical form forms an arc that encircles the wrist or arm. This form allows the mask to wrap around itself and perform various rotations within the structure.

[0018] As shown in any of the figures 1 to 5, the support (1) may have various shapes, for example a substantially flat surface or a substantially curved surface, they may be hollow or have a segmented framework. One of the preferred configurations refers to a cylindrical surface, due to ease of handling and access when used on the wrist or arm as a wristband or bracelet. The wristband form was also conceived to facilitate winding the mask on the device (1) with the hand opposite the arm on which the wristband is worn. Another preferred form conceived is that of the body (1) hung on a neck cord, such as a pendant or pendulum, this form was conceived for its production facilities, ease of access by the user's hand, aesthetic acceptability for use by both women and men as well as children, and its practical use. It needs to have a fastener for the neck cord, such as a ring, hole, clip, adhesive or other form of fastening to the neck cord. One form conceived for use as a pendant or bracelet is that of a spool (such as a wire, string or tape wound up), which refers to a cylindrical structure with high edges, conceived to fix the mask in the center of the bed defined by the high edges. Another form conceived is a skeletal structure of elastic threads such as a trellis (e.g. wire), which is conceived to obtain a framework for winding the mask while allowing the format of the pin (2) for fixing the mask, with the advantage of ease of production and lightness of the final product. The support (1) can also be incorporated into a flask containing a disinfectant substance such as gel alcohol, or the support (1) can have a fastener that contacts the flask containing the disinfectant substance. This association was conceived to provide practicality for the user, insofar as it combines the elements of individual protection of the mask with the use of gel alcohol.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a body (1) having an open or closed cylindrical configuration with grooves (5) or protrusions (4) forming paths that act as guides for placing the mask.

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a body (1) having an open or closed cylindrical configuration with a set of pins (2) that form a path that acts as a guide for placing the mask.

[0021] Figure 8 shows a pin (2) that has a curved portion (6) that starts at the body (1) and allows a portion of the mask to pass through the curved portion (6) and circle the cylindrical assembly once more before being secured to the pin.

[0022] Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 show a mask (7) with conventional fastening cords (12) at the ears or head.

[0023] Figure 9 shows a mask (7) adaptable to a support (1) having a fastening strap (9) that latches outwardly or inwardly to the mask surface on a support (1) pin (2) located in the center of the mask surface (7), and shows a channel (8) located on the mask edge (7) that is perpendicular or perpendicular to the mask surface. This fastening strap (9) located in the center of the mask is strategic because it allows the mask to be stored at half its length, as it allows the mask to fold over on itself when pulled and fastened to the pin (2).

[0024] As further shown in FIG. 9, the orthogonal (8) or transverse (8) channels allow the cord to be fixed, and when the cord is pulled, it creates a bag-like structure to form an inner surface that separates the contaminants inside when the mask outer surface is inside the system, or to separate those contaminants on the outside when the mask inner surface is inside the system, reducing the degree of contamination between the inner and outer surfaces of the mask. Instead of these transverse channels (8), other forms such as buttons, snap fasteners, clips or magnetic or magnetizable materials are also conceivable for sealing. Elastic frames for the ends are also conceivable to join the ends of the mask and replace the cord to facilitate sealing.

[0025] As further shown in Figure 9 illustrating use, once the mask (7) has been removed from the face, it can be stored quickly on the support (1) by first connecting the securing straps (9) over the pins (2) and pulling the cords through the holes (8) to form a pouch that protects the mask's inner surface (7). Once stretched, the mask (7) can be wrapped around the support (1) and the pulled cords can be secured to the other pins (2) on the support (1), providing safe and quick storage of the mask (7).

[0026] Figure 10 shows a mask (7) that can be fitted to a support (1) with a strap or clasp fastener (9) that fits onto a pin (2) of the support (1) located in the center of the mask surface. A channel (10) is also shown at the end (7) of the mask, parallel to the surface (10) on which the cords run inside, with the same function as those described in the previous figure. The cords (11) exit the channel (10) and can be pulled out. These are longitudinal channels (10) for passing the cords, which is another form of positioning the pulled cords, aimed at creating a pouch-like structure for isolation from contaminants.

[0027] Figure 11 shows a mask (7) that can be fitted to a support (1) with straps or fasteners (9) for support pins (2) that are positioned on the mask surface on a vertical line on the mask surface (7). This is another way in which the mask (7) can be folded when stored, in this case on a vertical line.

[0028] Figure 12 shows a mask (7) that can be fitted to a support (1) having straps or fasteners (9) for support pins (2) that are positioned on the mask surface on a horizontal line on the mask surface (7). This is another way in which the mask (7) can be folded when stored, in this case on a horizontal line.

[0029] Figures 13 and 14 show a further mask (7) that can be fitted to a support (1) having straps or fasteners (9) for support pins (2) located on the sides of the mask (7), which is an alternative form of securing the mask to the pins (2) of the support (1).

[0030] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, the introduction of elastic material has been conceived in the configuration of straps (9) which, in whole or in part, aid in the process of tensioning the mask with stabilization as a result of storage of the mask (7).

[0031] FIG. 15 shows a case (13) for storing the mask support (1). It is a cover (17) with a hard or malleable surface that encases the support (1). The cover (17) protects the support set (1) and the mask from external contamination during the storage of the mask, and at the same time prevents the stored mask from contaminating other external objects. The malleable cover for covering the support (1) may have a bag or bag shape. The bag shape is conceived for ease of construction and compatibility with any support (1). It may have a malleable surface that covers the support (1) in a bag-like manner, the malleable surface having fixing points (14) inside the bag-like structure, which are connected to the support (1). The fixing points (14) are for fixing to the support (1), and when the cover (17) is retracted, it turns inside out to safely expose the support (1) and prevent contact with external objects, and at the same time fix the case (13) to prevent loss. The closure system for case 13 is shown as a pouch-like structure showing a channel 15 through which a cord 16 passes which, when pulled, closes case 13. This closure system may be by elastic strands.

[0032] FIG. 16 shows a protective case (13) for a support (1) surface (18) in the shape of a cylindrical ring. This device is idealized to adjust to a support (1) in the shape of a wristband, bracelet or clamp. The outer periphery (19) is hollow and the surface (18) encases the support (1) in order to protect it. The hollow outer periphery (19) is passed over the wrist or arm. By including elastic in the outer periphery (19), these peripheries are restrained against each other on the wrist or arm to form a ring cover with restrained ends, which are sealed, which protects the combination formed by the support (1) and the mask. The area of ​​the surface (18) can be made of plastic or other material that is preferably flexible to adjust to the wrist or arm of the user. The surface (18) with the shape of a cylindrical ring was conceived to be easy to manufacture, insofar as a sample of fabric or plastic in the form of a rectangular strip can be joined, for example sewn at the ends and rubber-fastened to the outer periphery (19) forming a cylindrical ring. This reduces the manufacturing costs and allows easy access to simple rectangular strips of fabric or plastic that are readily available on the market. The possibility of the surface (18) being flexible was conceived as a solution to allow it to adjust to the wrist or arm. If it were a rigid area, it would be difficult to cover and uncover the ring structure.

[0033] As further shown in Fig. 16, an alternative is envisaged where one of the periphery parts (19) is already fixed to the support (1) and the other part of the periphery part (19) is loosely configured to cover or uncover the support (1). Another alternative is that at least a part of the periphery part (19) is a magnetic or magnetisable material or Velcro® for fixing to the support (1) and serves as a rubber closure. Transverse channels for threading cords or longitudinal channels for threading cords are other configurations devised to serve as a rubber closure on the periphery part (19) with the respective cords.

[0034] FIG. 17 shows a solution to a drawback that occurs when replacing the channels (8 or 10) for threading cords on the ends of the mask with Velcro, snap fasteners, or magnetic or magnetizable materials. For example, with Velcro, the mask can only be folded outward. If Velcro is placed on the inside, it irritates the skin and does not seal efficiently. A solution to this drawback is to fold the foldable ends (20 and 21) on the mask (7) along a defined line (20). The foldable lines (20) allow one-way gripping structures such as Velcro, magnetic or magnetized surfaces, snap fasteners and multiple fold-over clips and buttons to close outward when their ends (21) are folded outward. When unfolded, the Velcro moves to the inner surface, allowing the mask to fold inward. This fold provides versatility to the mask as it can be folded inward or outward.

[0035] Another solution conceived in this application, shown in FIG. 18, uses a carabiner to fasten the support (1) to any part of the user's clothing or any other structure. The form of carabiner (22) is widely used in key rings to fasten keys to straps. It is also often used in mountaineering to fasten ropes. The carabiner (22) usually consists of a metal ring, has a movable segment (25), and may have an axis (23) that is released and separated from the part of the ring (24) that opens to allow the passage of a cord or other linear structure and to facilitate secure fastening of the cord. The description "carabiner" is used in this sense in the claims. This increases the functionality of the support (1) insofar as it can be fastened at various alternative points on the clothing or object. Said carabiner can also be used to fasten to a neck cord.

[0036] Following research into antimicrobial materials, it was concluded that many silver-based compounds are effective in preventing the growth of microorganisms. These silver-containing materials have been devised for use on the surfaces of the present solutions (1, 7, and 13) to maximize their effectiveness in reducing contact contamination.

[0037] With respect to any of the above figures, practical kits are contemplated for sale having the support set (1) and the mask (7), the support set (1) and the protective case (13), or the support set (1), the protective case (13) and the mask (7), enclosed or separate.

Claims

1. An apparatus for easily and safely storing a mask, comprising an open or closed cylindrical support wrapped around the wrist or arm having a pin with a clasp or head shape for holding a mask strap, said support having at least one of a groove, protrusion, or pin path.

2. An apparatus for easily and safely storing a mask comprising an open or closed cylindrical support wrapped around the wrist or arm having a pin with a fastener or head shape for holding a mask strap, the support having a carabiner and a movable compartment for opening and closing the carabiner.

3. An apparatus for easily and safely storing a mask comprising an open or closed cylindrical support wrapped around the wrist or arm having a pin with a fastener or head shape for holding a mask strap, said support having a fastener for a neck cord.

4. An apparatus for easily and safely storing a mask comprising an open or closed cylindrical support wrapped around the wrist or arm having a pin with a fastener or head shape for holding a mask strap, said support including a flask containing a disinfectant or including a fastener contact for a flask containing a disinfectant.

5. A mask having fastener straps that are secured to an outer surface of the mask and are compatible with pins on a support, the mask having folds and any one of hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, clips, or magnetic or magnetizable material at the ends of the folds.

6. The mask of claim 5, wherein the fastening straps are constructed of an elastic material.

7. A case for storing a mask support, the case having a surface covering a cylindrical ring-shaped support that is wrapped around the wrist or arm.A case for storing a mask support, the case having a bag-shaped cover having a hard or malleable surface that covers the support, the cover having an internal fixing point for the support.

8. A case for storing a mask support, the case having a malleable surface covering the mask support and having a cylindrical ring on at least one of its outer periphery having at least one of the following structures: an elastic ring, a transverse channel for passing a cord, a longitudinal channel for passing a cord, a hook-and-loop ring, or a ring made of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

9. 5. The device for easily and safely storing a mask according to claim 1, wherein the device for easily and safely storing a mask has silver elements on a surface of its wall.

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